Since its inception over 40 years ago, MARTA has consistently been one of the hottest topics of debate for those both inside and outside the perimeter and on either side of the political aisle. Detractors view it as a cost-inefficient means of transportation, not to mention one that could carry potentially unsavory riders up into their neighborhoods. Why should they pay for a train system that they won’t use? Supporters have always pointed to the benefits of strong public transportation system; it would alleviate traffic, attract business, and modernize the city. With more and more people choosing to live inside the perimeter, why not do something that would benefit the entire community?
Like any long-term point of contention, this picture isn’t black and white. Because the state does not contribute any funding to MARTA, the impetus is on counties themselves to come up with the money and political will to extend MARTA beyond its current form. For years the debate was just that, a war of words that failed to yield any real action. But recent events have kindled the fire of desire for public transportation once more, and if you squint you can just make out the smoke from MARTA supporters in places like Clayton County and North Fulton rubbing their hands together in anticipation.
Already Clayton County is primed to add a ballot measure for November which would add new MARTA bus and rail lines to the county. Commission Chair Jeff Turner supports the measure, which would add either a half, (only bus lines) or full penny, (bus and train lines) to the sales tax. Clayton residents have long been clamoring for better public transportation to make its way down into their neighborhoods, and it seems that the wheels have finally begun to turn.
Clayton though, is a different beast from Atlanta’s affluent northern suburbs. MARTA carries negative connotations throughout much of Cobb and north Fulton, despite the long commutes painfully endured by many of their residents. Additionally, any motions to raise the sales tax by a half-cent or more would likely be a death knell for any politician brave (or stupid) enough to suggest it.
At least, it would have been.
The 400 corridor has seen rapid growth, notably from new technology companies, which attract a new breed of workers, (and voters). This new demographic is less concerned with the idea that city-dwellers might make it up to their neck of the woods, and more concerned with being able to get down into the city themselves. State Senator Brandon Beach is one of the politicians interested in exploring MARTA expansion, something he says would have been unfathomable 10 years ago.
Atlanta is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, particularly for young college graduates. The new generation of transplants wants public transportation. They want it to be easy, and they want it to be fast. As Atlanta’s demographics slowly shift, the murmur of MARTA support grows louder.
Don’t expect MARTA to break ground on new lines any time particularly soon, though. The proposed Clayton tax would have rail lines up all the way to Lovejoy, but not for 5-7 years. Those wanting to see MARTA up to Alpharetta may have to wait a decade or more. And what about Cobb? The home of the new Braves stadium has never been amiable to the idea of MARTA expansion into the county. Will the headache from traffic issues in the already-congested area spark a new discussion over the potential of expanding light rail into the county?
Atlanta is not Washington D.C. It isn’t New York, or Chicago, or even Dallas, (who is expanding their own rail line over the next few years). But with traffic issues not getting any better and more and more young professionals moving into the city and demanding more transportation options, don’t expect the MARTA issue to disappear any time soon.
